Transcript Slide 1

St. Dominic Sea Dragons at 2005 FLL Championship
2007 FIRST LEGO League
Scot Marshall
Louisiana FLL Technical Coordinator
American Petroleum Institute
www.LaFLL.org
www.YouTube.com/PRforLaFLL
Building a Team
The Complete FIRST Participant
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Unique Headwear
(Temporary) Hair Color
Face Paint
Team T-Shirt
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Team Name – Sea Dragons
Team Number - 5315
Yearly Theme – Ocean Odyssey
Color Theme – Purple, Grn, Gld
Sponsors, Logos
Cheer, Song, Chant
Team Buttons
Team Handouts
Noise Maker
Posters
Laptop
Pit Display
Pit Decorations
No Advertising!
The 1-Day Competition
• 25% Design
– The students perform a design review of their robot
and its apparatus in front of the judges (no mentor)
• 25% Performance
– Best of 3 tries on the competition table - 2.5 minutes
• 25% Research
– 2 minute set-up, 5 minute presentation, 5 minutes for
questions, 2-minute take-down (no mentor)
• 25% Teamwork
– 1 minute explanation from the judges, 7 minutes to
solve as a team, 2 minutes questions (no mentor)
There’s a FIRST for Every Age
Junior
FIRST LEGO
League
(2004 Pilot)
FIRST Robotics
Competition (1992)
FIRST Tech Challenge
(2005 Pilot)
FIRST LEGO League
(1998)
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FIRST is a Year-Round Activity
Junior
FIRST LEGO
League
FIRST LEGO
League
4W
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Basics
Build 12W
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FIRST
Robotics
Competition
HS Robotics Class ?
FIRST Tech
Challenge
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6W 5W
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Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr
Not Active in
Louisiana yet
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FIRST Things First
For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology
– Began 18 years ago (1989)
– A 501(c)(3) with a small staff at HQ in Manchester, NH
– $20M annual budget
– $8M in scholarships to FIRST participants last year
– Over 2000 corporate sponsors
– Over 60,000 volunteers world-wide
– 5 programs reach every layer of education and industry
Sport for the Mind:
Combining the excitement of sport with science and technology
Louisiana Participation
Building Louisiana Science and Technology
– A 501(c)(3) All volunteer across Louisiana & Mississippi
– A core of 35 that organizes 100+ volunteers to provide:
o FIRST LEGO League
o Bayou Regional FIRST Robotics Competition
o Educational outreach to mentors and students
– Tulane University & University of New Orleans sponsor
– Seeking additional corporate and private supporters
– Seeking mentors to continue building the vision
American Petroleum Institute
2007 FLL Challenge
2007 Power Puzzle
•Est. 100,000 kids worldwide
•10,000 teams (15% growth)
US and Canada
•65,000 kids; 6,500 teams
•260 Qualifying events
•70 Championship tournaments
Worldwide
•35,000 kids; 3,500 teams from 38 countries
•130 Qualifying events
•38 Championship tournaments
FLL Challenge History
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1998: Pilot – 2 Tournaments
1999: First Contact – Astronauts in Space
2000: Volcanic Panic – Volcanic Eruption
2001: Arctic Impact – Arctic Research Louisiana
Participation
2002: City Sights – Urban Planners
2003: Mission Mars – Robotic Exploration
2004: No Limits – World of the Disabled
2005: Ocean Odyssey – Undersea Ecology
2006: Nano Quest – Molecular Science
2007: Power Puzzle - Energy
FLL Challenge History
1998 Pilot
2000 Volcanic Panic
Teams
•1.600 kids
•2 Pilot tournaments
FIRST and LEGO
Company pilots the
FIRST LEGO League
concept.
Teams
•15.000 kids
•50 tournaments
in the USA
FLL International Pilot Tournament in
Norway hosted by FIRST Scandinavia.
1999 FIRST
Contact
Teams
•9.500 kids
•9 tournaments in the
USA
Official launch of the
FIRST LEGO League
program in the USA.
2003 Mission Mars
Teams
•5,000 teams
•42,000 kids
•200 tournaments
China, Brazil and South Korea joins
FLL International with a Pilot
tournaments.
2001 Artic Impact
Teams
•18,500 kids
•59 tournaments
FLL International Pilot Tournaments in
the UK hosted by Young Technologists and
in Germany hosted by Hands-onTechnology.
2002 City Sights
Teams
•3,001 teams
•27,009 kids
•119 tournaments
France joins FLL International with a
Pilot tournament in Paris. Singapore
Science Center hosts first official FLL
International tournament in Singapore.
2004 NO Limits
Teams
•6,000 teams
•50,000 kids
•210 tournaments
Japan, South Africa, Turkey and Mexico
joins FLL International with a Pilot
tournaments.
2005 Ocean Odyssey
Teams
•7,460 teams
•60,000 kids worldwide
•56 tournaments (US)
•12 tournaments
(outside US & Canada)
FLL Challenge History
2006 NanoQuest
•88,000 kids Worldwide
•8,847 teams
US and Canada
•56,010 kids; 5,601 teams
•250 Qualifying events
•63 Championship tournaments
Worldwide
•32,460 kids; 3,246 teams from 35 countries
•112 Qualifying events
•25 Championship tournaments
•Demographics
•70% Boys; 30% Girls
JFLL Challenge History
2006 Pilot
•3,500 kids ages 6-9
•702 teams
•US and Canada
•Geared to children aged 6 to 9 years old
•Utilizes a modified FIRST LEGO League (FLL) framework.
•Teams of up to 6 children and an adult mentor receive a mini
challenge, based on the annual FLL research project.
•Uses an open-ended LEGO building set, to design a model
depicting an aspect of the FLL Challenge.
•Teams spend approximately one month exploring, investigating,
designing and building a model made with LEGO bricks.
•Teams create a "Show Me" poster that depicts the teams’
experience during this process, through drawings and words.
The NXT Generation
The FLL Team Core Values
• We are a team
• We have fun
• We do the work to find the solutions with guidance from
our coaches and mentors
• We honor the spirit of friendly competition
• What we discover is more important than what we win
• We share our experiences with others
• We display gracious professionalism in all we do
Gracious Professionalism:
•Gracious attitudes and behaviors that are “win-win”
•Gracious folks respect others and let that respect show in their actions
•Gracious professionals make a valued contribution in a manner
pleasing to others and themselves as they possess special knowledge
and are trusted by society to use that knowledge responsibly
FIRST LEGO League Values
• Respect each other in the best spirit of
teamwork
• Behave with courtesy and compassion for
others at all times
• Honor the spirit of friendly competition
• Act with integrity
• Demonstrate Gracious Professionalism
• Focus on the experience, not the awards
• Remember that the children do the work
• Encourage others to adopt these values
FLL succeeds most fully when team members bring the FLL
values they learn back to their community
At the End of the Season…
• We had fun!
• We did something we didn’t think we could do
• We figured out how to manage time, deal with
setbacks, and communicate ideas
• We respected and considered ideas from everyone on
the team
• We learned that research helped us better understand
a problem and build a realistic solution
• We learned how useful and fun applied math and
science can be
• We improved over last year
• We helped our community
The true goals of FLL have nothing to do with winning medals
or trophies. If you can look back on the season and know you
accomplished at least one of these goals, you have achieved
the most important goal
Building a Team
• Guidance, Structure, Encouragement, Fun
• Mentors
– Parent, Engineer, High School FRC participant, Science
Professional, Graphic Artist, Volunteer, Programmer, Marketing
Expert, Instructor
• Team Dynamics & Work Groups
– Size, Age, Team/Individual Psyche
– Hardware Design, Program, Strategy, Research, Operators,
Project Management, Test, Marketing, Documentation,
Fundraising, Team Spirit
• Rubrics (Improve, Fair, Good, Excellent)
– Robot Design, Project, Teamwork & FLL Values
A student once said he didn't much care for rubrics:
"if you get something wrong, your teacher can prove you knew what you
were supposed to do."
Design Rubric
• Innovative Design
• Strategy, Process, Problem-solving
• Locomotion & Navigation
– Goes defined distances efficiently
– Adjusts speed, position sensing for optimum speed and
accuracy
– Turns accurately and consistently
– Allows for variables (battery discharge, obstacles)
– Moves between two points with very good accuracy and
consistency
– May use various sensors
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Programming
Kids do the Work
Structural
Overall Design
Project Rubric
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Topic & Language Use
Completeness, Teamwork
Background, Data & Graphics
Analysis & Conclusions
– Presentation thoroughly links to research questions
– Relevance to FLL theme is clearly stated
– Alternative views considered with well-supported
position on issues
– Conclusions are clearly supported by data
– Analysis clearly relates well to research question
– Original, important insights are shared
• Style
Teamwork & FLL Values Rubric
• Roles & Responsibilities
– Clearly defined roles
– Workload is distributed fairly and team members
understand each other’s roles
– Team members fill each other’s roles (happily!), if
needed
– Team members give concrete examples of
learning time management
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Gracious Professionalism
Problem-solving & Team Dynamics
Confidence & Enthusiasm
FLL Values
Sample Task Assignments
Management
 Project Scheduling
 Rubric & Awards
 Evaluation & Judging
 Competition Rules
 Forums
Robot Competition
 Strategy
 Hardware Design
 Software Design
 Robot Operator (2)
Research Project
 Researcher
 Script and Choreography
 Research Report
Team Spirit / Marketing
 Team Shirt & Artwork Design
 Research Project Props
 Scrapbook
 Press Relations
 Community Outreach
 Fund Raising
30 Teams Competed in 2006
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A. E. Phillips Middle School: NanoDawgs
Adams Middle School: Adams Robots
Baker Middle School: Roboraiders; Roboracers
Dighton Prep: Battle Droids
Episcopal High School: Leggo my LEGO
Grace Home Educators: LEGO Maniacs; LEGO Lunatics
Haynes Academy: Team Tech; NeXT Generation
Keithville Middle School: Swamp Eagles
Lake Castle Madisonville: RoboJets Blue; RoboJets Gold
Linwood Middle School: Robocats 1; Robocats 2;
Robocats 3
• Louisiana Tech University: NanoDawgs2
30 Teams Competed in 2006
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McMain Secondary High School: McMain Tech Rays
Meisler Middle School: Meisler Chiefs
Metairie Park Country Day School: Robo Cajuns
Nelson – UNO Charter School: The Rooks
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Tech. Academy: Taylor Robots
Pendergrass Family: GloryBots
Ridgewood Middle School: RoboRaiders
Roosevelt Middle School: Rough Riders
St. Dominic’s School: Molecule Masters; Atoms Family
St. George's Episcopal School: St. George’s #1
St. James Science & Math Academy: S.M.A.L.L. Synergy
2006 NanoQuest Awards
• Director Award 1st Place: Louisiana Tech University
• Director Runner-Up: St. James Science & Math Academy
• Robot Design Award 1st Place: St. Dominic’s School
• Robot Design Award 2nd Place: Metairie Park Country Day School
• Robot Performance Award: Louisiana Tech University
• Research Presentation Award 1st Place: Grace Home Educators
• Research Presentation Award 2nd Place: Dighton Prep
• Teamwork & FLL Values Award 1st Place: A. E. Phillips Middle
School
• Teamwork & FLL Values Award 2nd Place: St. Dominic’s School
• Special Judges Award – Above All Odds: Baker Middle School;
Pendergrass Family
• Rookie Team Award: Haynes Academy
Back-up Charts
Scot Marshall
Louisiana FLL Technical Coordinator
www.LaFLL.org
www.YouTube.com/PRforLaFLL
[email protected]
The Coaches’ Promise
(the really hard part!)
• The children come first
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FLL is about the children having fun and getting excited about science and
technology. Everything my team does starts and ends with that principle.
The children do the work
This is their opportunity to learn and grow. The children on my team do all
the programming, research, problem solving, and building. Adults can help
them find answers, but cannot give them answers or make decisions.
My team is comprised of 10 or fewer members
(all team members participate on only 1 team), registered as an official FLL
team, and all team members are no older than 14 on January 1st of the
Challenge year.
FLL communicates with my team via my primary email address, and I am
responsible for reading and relaying all aspects of FLL guidelines and
rules to my team, other coaches, volunteers, and parents.
I will encourage my team members, other coaches, volunteers, parents, and
team supporters to develop and practice a set of FLL values that reflect
FIRST’s goal to challenge culture in a positive way by inspiring others
through our team’s actions and words.
17 Teams Competed in 2005
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Adams Middle School: Ocean Tech
Baker Middle School: Terror Squad; Roboracers
Keithville Middle School: Demon Eagles
Linwood Middle School: The Buildaholics; The Robocats
Louise S. McGehee School
Meisler Middle School: Meisler Chiefs
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Tech. Academy: Team 1& 2
Pineville Middle School / William Pitcher Jr. High: USS
DLUECGKO
Riverdale Middle School
Roosevelt Middle School: Rough Riders
Ridgewood Middle School: Bionicle Gladiators
St. Dominic’s School: Sea Dragons
St. George's Episcopal School
St. James Science & Math Academy: S.M.A.L.L. Synergy
2005-2006 Awards
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Director Award 1st Place: Sea Dragons - St. Dominic's School
Director Runner 2nd Place: Louise S. McGehee School
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Robot Design Award 1st Place: S.M.A.L.L. Synergy - St. James Science
& Math Academy
Robot Design Award 2nd Place: Louise S. McGehee School
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Research Presentation Award 1st Place: Ocean Tech - Adams Middle
School
Research Presentation Award 2nd Place: Meisler Chiefs - Meisler Middle
School
Teamwork & FLL Values Award 1st Place: Terror Squad - Baker Middle
School - Team 1
Teamwork & FLL Values Award 2nd Place: Ocean Tech - Adams Middle
School
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Robot Performance Award: Bionicle Gladiators - Ridgewood Middle
School
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Special Judges Award - Outstanding Effort: St. George's Episcopal
School
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Rookie Team Award: The Robocats - Linwood Middle School - Team 2
FIRST LEGO League
in Louisiana
2006 Schedule
Who Can Join FLL?
Team Criteria
Kickoff and Challenge
Registration and Cost
Coaching
Volunteers and Mentoring
Equipment and Space
Tournaments
Judging and Awards
Grant Resources
REGISTRATION AND COST
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Q. What is the cost for a team's participation in the first year of the
program?
A. That depends, if the team or someone on the team already has the
LEGO ® MINDSTORMS™ Robotics Invention System™, the team will not
need to purchase the FLL Robot Set. The cost to a team starting from
scratch is about $700. The breakdown for the 2007 season is:
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Cost
Feature
Team Registration Fee
$200
(Non-refundable)
FLL Robot Set (RCX or NXT)
$325
Needed for new teams
Field Setup Kit (annual game set)
$65
Could be shared among teams
Possible Expenses:
The cost to attend a tournament is in the range of $60.
Travel expenses to a tournament.
Team related items i.e. tshirts, supplies, snacks, etc.
WHO CAN JOIN FLL
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Q: Who can participate in FLL?
A: FLL attracts both boys and girls' interests. The program is for 9-14-year olds, and
is flexible enough in structure that a team can form within the school or home-school
environment, as an after-school program, with a neighborhood group, or as part of
any youth-based organization.
Q. What are the age guidelines?
A. If you have a student less than 9 years old, but think he or she will be socially and
academically comfortable with the older group, that is fine. To accommodate middle
school students, child participants must not be older than 14 as of January 1, 2006. It
is all right if he or she turns fifteen during the year.
Q: How do I join a team in my area?
A: Typically, FLL is unable to assist in matching potential team members with
already-existing teams. Teams organize through schools, civic organizations, or
neighborhood groups and do not actively seek additional members, so it may not be
possible to locate a team for you. We encourage interested individuals to form their
own team.
Q: What is the schedule, and how do I register my team to participate?
A: Teams register online on the FLL web site during the months of May through
September. FLL reveals the Challenge in mid-September. October and November
are the active months when teams prepare their solutions to the Challenge, and local
and state tournaments occur November through January.
TEAM CRITERIA
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Q. What is the usual team size?
A. A team consists of a maximum of 10 children and a minimum of 1 adult team
coach. The small-team concept works well with this age group and encourages a
closely knit team. Small groups have the opportunity to split into smaller groups for
different tasks, such as strategy, programming, or the research project. The very
nature of LEGO products and pieces equals fun, and the friendly peer competition of
FLL matches have the look and feel of smart play.
Q: Do the team members need to have a science background?
A: FLL motivates children not predisposed to science, math, or technology. The
program is able to effectively engage children from various backgrounds, instilling
new ideas and concepts in more experienced children, while helping to inspire,
motivate, and encourage learning basic principles and skills among children with less
experience. Through their FIRST involvement, children will also learn about
important, life-long team skills such as planning, research, collaboration, mentorship,
and teamwork.
Q. What are teams expected to do?
A. The FLL Team Manual provides teams with an overview of what the program
entails. Plan on having fun initial meetings where you will decide on a team name and
logo and how the team wants to present itself, such as with custom t-shirts or hats.
The team members should get together and practice programming, building and team
skills before the Challenge is revealed. After the Kickoff, the team will plan mission
strategy and refine robot building and programming, as well as prepare its Project.
While attending events and enjoying themselves, teams should follow the FIRST
credo of "gracious professionalism" when associating with other teams, event
attendees, judges, and referees.
KICKOFF AND CHALLENGE
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Q: What is the Challenge and how does it support education among children?
A: The Challenge is the annual game that FLL reveals to its teams each September
during the on-line Kickoff. Teams must determine their strategy and program their
robot to accomplish various Challenge missions and accumulate points. In addition,
the Challenge theme and related Project (formerly the "Research Assignment") gets
teams on their way to researching and investigating current issues facing our modern
world. This combined process brings the reality of science and technology to children
on a more intimate, hands-on level while instilling teamwork mores.
Q. What is the Kickoff, and when is it?
A. The 2006 Kickoff takes place on September 15, and is the illustrated on-line
presentation of the annual Challenge and its missions.
Q. Can we register after the Challenge is revealed? Will we be at a
disadvantage?
A. Yes, you can register if there is room in the program for more teams. Once it fills,
the registration option will be shut off. The majority of teams have materials and begin
working as soon as the Challenge is revealed, but we do receive a large number of
registrations in September. Product does not ship until payment is received, so
complete the registration and payment process as soon as possible so your team
does not miss valuable practice time.
Q. What does a typical Challenge playing field look like?
A. The Field Setup Kit is used to construct the Challenge. The kit includes LEGO
elements for building mission models and a large printed plastic field mat on which
you place the models. The robot interacts with both the mission models and the
pattern on the field mat. It all looks like a colorful miniature obstacle course.
Features
NXTEducation
Price
$250
NXT Intelligent Brick
1
NXT Servo Motors
3
NXT Touch Sensor
1
NXT Light Sensor
1
NXT Sound Sensor
1
NXT Ultrasonic Sensor
1
NXT Cables
7
NXT Converter Cables
0
USB Cables
1
Lamps
0
NXT Rechargeable Battery 0
NXT Charger
0
Total Parts
577
Technic Parts
519
Storage Boxes
0
LabView Software Licenses 1
Robot Educator
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Course Materials
0
Who Can Buy
Anyone
NXT Base Set
$250
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7
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1
431
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Anyone
FLL Robot Set
$325
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7
3
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3
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1102
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Reg. FLL Teams
2006 NXT Prices
Item
979797
979841
979798
979833
979842
979843
979844
979845
979846
979847
979648
900077
991280
900069
Product Name
LME Base Set
NXT Intelligent Brick
NXT Rechargeable Battery
Transformer
NXT Servo Motor
NXT Touch Sensor
NXT Light Sensor
NXT Sound Sensor
NXT Ultrasonic Sensor
NXT Bluetooth Dongle
Education Resource Set
LME Software
LME Software and Site License
ROBOLAB 2.9 Upgrade
Price
$250
$126
$48
$23
$17
$15
$15
$23
$30
$35
$59
$42
$240
$49
Volunteering
• There are multiple ways in which you can volunteer your
time and money to the Louisiana FIRST LEGO League.
To inquire further, follow any of these links:
• Judging a Tournament
• Refereeing a Tournament
• Being a Technical Mentor for a Team
• Coaching a Team Volunteering at the Tournament
• If you just want to Volunteer to work at an event, here is
a grid of all volunteer positions.
• Sponsoring a Team Sponsoring the Tournament
Sponsor a Tournament
• Description: Sponsor a state tournament
for the FLL season.
• Skills required: Money, or the ability to
find it. Amount varies depending on the
size of the event. Contact us for details.
• Time Commitment: Not much.
• Time Frame: Let us know as soon as
possible.
Sponsor a Team
• Description: Fund a team for the FLL season.
• Skills required: Money, or the ability to find it.
Minimum would be registration fee, possibly also
including material for practice course, t-shirts,
travel expenses, etc. $600 sets up a team
nicely.
• Time Commitment: Not much
• Time Frame: Let us know as soon as possible,
no later than late September.
Judge
• Description: Judge award categories at tournaments.
Awards include technical awards (best programming,
mechanical design, innovative design, best presentation
of ) and non-technical (teamwork, against all odds,
judges, team spirit). Interact with, and encourage, the
kids during discussion of their robot and team.
• Skills required: Relevant technical skills for the
category you judge, desire to be a good and fair judge,
desire to have fun!
• Time Commitment: One 2-3 hour training session, one
all-day Saturday tournament
• Time Frame: Training usually in October, tournament
usually early November.
Referee
• Description: Officiate at the actual performance
competition of the robots. Make sure teams
follow the rules, keep track of the scoring during
the match, encourage the kids.
• Skills required: Desire to be a good and fair
referee, learn the rules very well, comfortable in
a crowd, high tolerance for noise (bring your
own earplugs!), desire to have fun!
• Time Commitment: One 2-3 hour training
session, one all-day Saturday tournament
• Time Frame: Training usually in October,
tournament usually early November.
Technical Mentor
• Description: Act as a counsel to coach and team
members. Provide guidance for structuring technical
approach, for specific technical problems, computer
programming, setting up good experiments to evaluate
designs, for problem solving and troubleshooting. You
are not the coach (although you can volunteer to be a
coach too!).
• Skills required: Technical skills in programming or
engineering (have you been, or are you now, a techie?)
• Time Commitment: Meet with assigned team as often
as possible. Teams typically practice twice a week.
• Time Frame: Involved with team from September to mid
November Other Requirements: Mentors will need to
complete a background check.
Coaching a Team
• Description: Organize team and practices. Teach team
building. Act as counsel to team members. Provide guidance
for structuring research project and presentation.
• Skills required: Work well with children ages 9 to 14 and be
able to instill enthusiasm. Technical skills in programming or
engineering would be helpful, however, they are not a
requirement. A mentor may provide technical help. If you do
not have access to a mentor, we will be happy to assist in
trying to provide one for your team.
• Time Commitment: At least 4-8 hrs per week, more towards
the end, and one all-day Saturday tournament mid November.
Teams typically practice twice a week.
• Time Frame: Involved with team from September to mid
November.
• Other Requirements: Coaches will need to complete a
background check.
Help Setup or Volunteer for
Event
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Description: Varies. Help setup (and/or design) tables,
software for scoring and running event, projection systems,
lighting, networks, etc.. Work at an event helping with
registration, crowd management, merchandise sales, etc.
Skills required: Technical skills in programming or
engineering, if needed. In some cases, a strong back or just a
willingness to help.
Time Commitment: Depends on job. Setup starts the day
before or early in the morning. You may also help with design
(for example designing scoring software, lighting or projection)
which would start in October. For volunteering at the event,
commitment from 4 hrs to all day.
Time Frame: Day of the tournament.
Volunteer Grid: Here is a grid of all volunteer positions.
COACHING
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Q: How much time is involved in coaching a team?
A: You will need to arrive at your own optimum time commitment, but historically
teams range from three to six hours per week, with additional weekend hours if
needed around tournament season.
Q: Does the coach need to have a technical background?
A: A technical background is helpful, but not necessary. Learning alongside the team
is expected. Coaches must be willing to acquire some basic knowledge of the
programming environment and LEGO robot building. As leader of a registered team,
the coach will have access to software and building instructional manuals from FLL.
For additional assistance we encourage the coach to enlist the support of a
technology mentor or guest speaker(s).
Q. Is one coach enough?
A. If your team is the maximum number, 10 students, you will probably want some
help, at least with administrative details and team meetings.
Q. Are there any learning materials or training available?
A. Yes, the FLL Coaches Handbook is a helpful resource for coaches. Also, the
website includes Coach Tutorials and Coach Curriculum resources. In addition, FLL
teams can participate in the FLL Forum , a message board where users can post new
questions and read and reply to existing messages. Teams are encouraged to
participate in discussions related to the Challenge, and the Project.
Q. Can teams obtain assistance with Challenge related questions?
A. Yes, for rapid response to Challenge questions, e-mail the FLL Engineer at
[email protected].
Practice Venue
• An adequate practice venue is contingent upon
having access to the necessary computer
hardware and the space to build and test the
robot. Eventually, each team will want to set up
a practice field to give your team a chance to
test actual project performance. The practice
field can be as simple as clearing an area on the
floor and placing any challenge components
within the space, or as elaborate as a full
competition table. Some teams have found it
advantageous to share access to a practice field
with other teams in the area.
EQUIPMENT AND SPACE
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Q. What are the practice space requirements?
A. Teams need enough space to build and test the robot on the FLL field
mat (contained in the FLL Field Set Up Kit). The 4' x 8' field mat rolls out
and the team places LEGO pieces and various elements to create the
Challenge missions. Purchase additional materials (such as two-by-fours)
separately to build a border around the field mat. Setup can be as simple as
clearing an area on the floor, or your team may opt to build an official FLL
table. Some teams have found it advantageous to share a field mat with
other teams in their area.
Q. What are the computer capabilities/requirements?
A. Team must have access to either a Mac or a PC with an Internet
connection. Internet access and a valid e-mail address are mandatory to
maintain contact with FLL throughout the Challenge season. You will use
the computer to develop programs for the team's robot. You can easily
downloaded programs via an infrared transmitter to the RCX, the LEGO
programmable brick.
Q. If I build the optional table this year, will I be able to reuse it next
year?
A. Yes, you can use the table again, but the rollout mat changes with each
annual Challenge.
SPONSORSHIP AND FUNDRAISING
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Q. Does my team have to obtain a sponsor?
A. It is not necessary to have a sponsor if your team has the necessary financial resources.
Q. How do we solicit funds if we do want or need a sponsor?
A. Seeking out financial assistance for your team can begin on many different levels. Try the following:
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Look to local companies or solicit parents to see if any are owners or employees of a local business. Many
businesses are excited to invest in FLL through sponsorship and/or mentors as part of their community relations.
Consider having the team members prepare a presentation for an executive within the company to discuss their
personal involvement in the FLL process. The team's input is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate its
commitment to the team and strengthen their presentation skills.
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If the team is part of a classroom environment, explore grant opportunities, programs for special education, gifted
and talented-based programs, or minority-focused programs.
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Contact your parent teacher organization to discuss collaborative efforts.
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If the team is derived as part of a civic organization, such as Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Boys and Girls Clubs, or
YMCA, research the available funds from the headquarters of the organization; the team might be eligible for
funds allocated to special programs.
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Distribute the cost of materials evenly between the number of participants and coaches, or send a note to the
parents to collect money. This is also a good way to enlist parental support.
Q. What benefit is it to fundraise or have a sponsor?
A. Besides the obvious monetary benefit, team fundraising can build ownership in the team, create team unity, and
develop the much-needed enthusiasm for success.
Q. How do we recognize folks as sponsors?
A. If your team obtains donations or a team sponsor, always remember to have the team write a letter of thanks to
recognize the sponsor as part of the team and its accomplishments. This creates a feeling of connection to the
community. Businesses can also sponsor a team in exchange for some form of recognition, such as the company
name on a team t-shirt, or a special mention during public appearances.
Back to Top
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TOURNAMENTS
Q. What are the tournaments like?
A. Tournaments are a true celebration of each team's accomplishments during the FLL season. They are exciting,
colorful, and bursting with energy! There are opening and closing ceremonies, complete with really cool trophies
and team T-shirts with personalized logos and team colors. They are well run with attending distinguished guests,
parents, coaches, intense and playful students, judges, and even real referees in black and white striped shirts. All
student participants go home with a great looking medallion that commemorates the team's involvement and
enthusiasm in a technical journey.
Q. Does our team registration include participation at an event?
A. No, tournament application is a separate process. Event organizers determine the tournament fee, and the cost
to attend is approximately $60.
Q. Where can we find out about the tournaments?
A. Please go to the Teams and Tournaments section on the FLL International site for event details. The methods
for attendance vary and specifcs for each event are posted each September. <P
Q. How is a tournament run?
A. Tournament Partners and many volunteers plan, coordinate, and run the one-day tournaments. Attending
teams will not only compete in the robot game, but will also meet with judges who will assess the team's technical
and research knowledge and understanding, as well as team interaction and spirit. The events have opening and
closing ceremonies, judges and trophies, pit and competition areas, rules, and referees.
Q. If we pay the $150 team registration fee, will our team definitely be able to participate in a tournament?
A. You will most likely be able to participate in a tournament, but FLL is growing very rapidly, and there is no
guarantee that there will be enough volunteers or space to accommodate all teams in all locations. The
Tournament Partners do everything they can to provide all teams with an event, which could mean teams traveling
a little farther for a competition. In the event that more teams apply to a tournament than can be accommodated at
the event, the organizers may use a lottery system to determine slots. In some areas with a large number of
teams, local events sometimes serve as qualifiers for team advancement to an official tournament in that state or
province.
Q. Can I schedule a local event, or do I need to work through FLL?
A. Teams can run their own local events. Visit the Tournaments section and download the "Local Event Guide"
and complete the Add Event template to promote your event. If your area hosts a state/provincial tournament,
contact the state/provincial coordinator and let him/her know about your local event.
Q. Do teams need to bring their computers to a tournament?
A. If your team attends a local event or state tournament, you will need to bring a computer for the day of the
competition. You may need to modify your robot programs to accommodate the specific conditions of the
tournament setting and to improve robot performance.
JUDGING AND AWARDS
• Q. What types of awards can teams win?
A. All student team members who participate in a state tournament
go home with an FLL Medallion to commemorate their
accomplishments. The FLL Awards are divided into four main
categories, which encompass Technical, Team Performance,
Special Recognition, and Judges' Awards. Judges use the criteria of
Technical and Team Performance when determining the winner of
the Director's Award, the most prestigious honor a team can win at
an FLL Tournament.
• Q. What are the criteria for award judging?
A. When you register and receive your FLL Coaches Handbook,
read the awards section. You will find judging criteria as well as
suggestions for considerations in the awards process.
• Q. How does a team win an award?
A. Judges will be observing and interviewing teams throughout the
day, both on the field and off. At the end of the day they will
recognize the most remarkable tea ms with trophies in various
categories.
• Grant Resources: Helpful site links for grant writing information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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What is FIRST LEGO League?
A competitive program to inspire curiosity among 9-14 year olds in science & technology. It was
developed by FIRST through a partnership with the LEGO Company.
What is FIRST?
A national non-profit organization. FIRST stands for "For Inspiration In Science and Technology".
Is this a competition?
Yes. Teams can gather for local events and state tournaments where they are recognized for
excellence in teamwork, problem-solving, creativity, design, strategy and leadership. FLL
promotes numerous solutions in a competitive, yet friendly environment as kids discover the
rewards of science and technology.
Does LEGO support this program?
Yes.
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What are the age limits?
The competition is for students ages 9 to 14.
What is the team size?
Typically 6-10 team members with a minimum of 4.
Who coaches a team?
Coaches can be parents, teachers, volunteers, or anyone who wants to help.
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Does a team have to be affiliated with a school?
No. Although almost all teams are associated with a school, teams can be put together informally
or as part of an organization like scouts.
What is the cost?
The approximate cost for registration and materials is up to $600 for new teams and up to $250
for returning teams. See Getting Started for detailed information.
I already own a MINDSTORMS kit. Can I participate with that?
Yes, but you will need to purchase the extra pieces and the challenge kit.
What is the time frame?
Each fall, FLL announces its Challenge highlighting a current scientific or technological problem
facing the world. During the Challenge process, teams have 8 weeks to build, program and test
their own fully-autonomous robot capable of completing various "missions". The average team,
consisting of 8 players, must take on specific roles and responsibilities in order to accomplish the
Challenge.
See Getting Started for more information on registration.
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How old is the program?
The program started nationally with pilot programs during the 1998/1999 school year. The first
official Louisiana State tournament was held in November 2003 at the University of New Orleans.
How big is the program?
In 2003, more than 42,000 children participated from 48 states and 14 countries. In Louisiana, 24
teams participated in the state's first tournament.
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Is there a national tournament?
There is a national exhibition in April in conjunction with the FIRST high school robotics program
In Atlanta. A World Cup is being planned for 2004.
Does everyone participate in the state tournaments?
To make the tournaments enjoyable and manageable, tournament size is limited to about 65-70
teams. If more teams than that register, regional qualifying tournaments will be held. Regional
qualifying tournaments have not been necessary in Louisiana in the past but may soon become
necessary as the number of participating schools continue to grow.
When is the state tournaments?
The 2005-2006 joint Louisiana/Mississippi state tournament will be held on Saturday, January 28,
2006.
Is there curriculum available?
Not yet although there are several universities working on it.
Is training provided to coaches?
Training is provided on the national FLL site. Check the Coaching page for information.
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Is there financial assistance available?
Yes, see tournament information.
Who sponsors and runs FLL in Louisiana?
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FIRST in Louisiana is sponsored through a partnership of nonprofits, schools, businessmen, and organizations.
B.LA.S.T. (Building Louisiana Science and Technology) is the nonprofit umbrella organization accepting
contributions to fund the FLL challenge tournament.
Representatives of the following sit on the steering committee:
The Bruce J. Heim Foundation
Rob Couhig
The New Orleans Center for Science and Math
Teachers from Pearl River High School
Tulane University
University of New Orleans
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
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What kit do I need to participate in the FLL program?
To participate in FLL, new teams must purchase the FLL Rookie kit. This kit can only be bought through the FLL
program. It includes LEGO MINDSTORMS building materials, the FLL Team Manual, both the RoboLab and the
LEGO MINDSTORMS RCX Code software, the special FLL Challenge set with extra pieces related to the FLL
2000 Challenge and a Beta version of the LEGO MINDSTORMS RCX Code 2.0 software. When you register a
team, you will receive information on how to obtain a kit.
Can new teams who own a LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotic Invention System, purchase the veteran set?
Yes. See Forming a Team
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What is the difference between the LEGO MINDSTORMS Robotics Invention System (RIS) and RoboLab from
LEGO Dacta?
The difference between both systems is the context in which they are used. The LEGO MINDSTORMS RIS was
designed to be used at home and RoboLab for the school environment.
Their similarities are the building materials as well as the RCX. The major differences relate to the programming
software and instruction materials.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS RIS software (RCX Code) was made to be very open minded, colorful and creative to
encourage children to experiment and use the product. The LEGO MINDSTORMS Constructopedia helps children
design and build robotic inventions.
RoboLab is an icon driven programming language based on National Instrument's LabVIEW. (LabVIEW is an
industry standard used by thousands of companies including NASA.) Designed specifically for education, students
work through incremental levels in the software which allows them to have success as they learn how to program.
The upper levels of the language (Inventor) give students the opportunity to work with such full programming
features as loops, while loops, conditionals, if statements, variables, music, and much more.
Installation guides accompany both the LEGO MINDSTORMS RCX Code and the RoboLab software.
Should teachers who participate in FLL use the RoboLab software?
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The FLL program is designed to work with both RoboLab and RCX Code. The teacher should use whichever
software they feel most comfortable with.
FLL Team Activities
• Journal
Getting the Team Registered
• Every team must be registered nationally to
obtain a LEGO Mindstorms kit.
• Every team must be registered both nationally
and with LA FLL to compete in the Louisiana
FIRST LEGO League Tournament.
– The deadline is October 1, 2006.
– All teams registered will automatically be registered
nationally.
• Fees:
National Registration $150.00
– State Registration $25.00
• Financial Assistance
• If you anticipate a need for financial assistance either in the form of
funds or supplies, email Barbara Pailet at [email protected] by the
end of September.
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• Obtaining a LEGO Mindstorms Challenge kit.
• If you have a Mindstorms kit already, you don't need to buy another.
However, you may want to purchase the additional parts allowed, as
described in Frequently Asked Questions.
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• Obtaining a Field Set Up kit.
• The field set up kit changes from year to year. Your team will need
to purchase this kit to build the mission models needed for
programming and practice.
Computer Requirements
• Each team will need a meeting area that has
access to a personal computer.
• The computer is used to develop the computer
program, which is then downloaded onto the
Mindstorms programmable brick.
• Additionally, your team will need an on-site
computer on the day of the competition. Code is
often modified on-the-fly to accommodate the
specific conditions of the tournament and to
improve robot performance.
Elements of the FLL Competition
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Technical Judging
Teamwork
Competition Table
Research Project
Underlying Topics
FLL is Applied Education
Where the theory meets the road
• Group Activity
– Socialization, Teamwork
• Research Topic
– Technical Writing – Research Paper
• Sentences, Paragraphs,
• Presentation
– Performing Arts
• Engineering Principles
– Design/Redesign
• Mechanical, Electrical, Physics
– Innovation
– Computer Programming
Underneath the FLL Experience
Underlying Engineering Principles
• Gears and gear ratios
What FLL Teams Do
What FLL Coaches Learn
Why Do I Want Blue Tooth?